Tank Maintenance

[Ocean Images]

This question will definately help those just starting or just researching the world of marine aquariums.
WATER CHANGES? how often? how much?
We all have different answers, so lets hear 'em, oh and while we're talking about this, lets talk about what salt mix works best for you? We have all seen the comparison charts...every marine reference book has one! BUT this is reality, what mix really works for you and why?

:D

[Dman]

OI
Depends on setup and age.
Here goes nuttin.....

New reef tanks should have a 10% water change every one-week to one month. Depending on stocking density. More fish more often, less fish less often.

Older reef tanks, once a month to once a year. Now yer sayin' this Dman guy is on drugs.... Older ESTABLISHED tanks, ones that have:
1. Been through all the algae and diatom blooms
2. That have a deep and effective sand beds
3. Have excellent skimming
4. Have more than enough Live Rock for the fauna, and
5. Have experienced no significant inhabitant changes
Reef tanks that meet the above requirements usually only get water changes when the owner notices that something is amiss....usually something small, the polyps or mushrooms don't open as fully as they usually do, something like that. My tank gets a water change usually every quarter (3-4 months).

I digress.....

Fish only tanks are a different ball game.... they require water changes when certain chemical elements reach upper limits. These upper limits are either set by the mortality thresholds of the inhabitants of the tank or arbitrarily set by the owner at lower levels. Testing is pretty much the only way to determine these levels.

As for salt mixes, I use Tropic Marin exclusively in my reef tank and Instant Ocean for my fish only. I found Tropic Marin was a little too harsh for the fish only tanks.

p.s. one 30% water change is more effective than 3 separate 10% water changes, but tends to be less stressful on reef inhabitants.

The key to maintaining a reef tank is stability, the key to maintaining a fish only tank is to keep them full and try not to poison them.
MTCW
Dman
:spin: